Arrest after attempted break-in at Colchester shop

Gift shop owner Robert Johnson, 40, said there was an attempted burglary at Rocks and Rubies, on Museum Street.

Suspects had tried to force open the door, at about midnight on Sunday.

Two people who live above the shop, Alex and Ryan, heard the noise and were also alerted by a dog walker who told them what was happening.

Bricks - The two men came back with two bricks to break into the store (Image: Submitted) Robert said: “The guys above the store saved the day. They managed to keep hold of the two men, apprehended them, putting themselves at risk.

“At one stage one of them thought they had a knife. Instead it was a bottle of beer.

"They put themselves in danger to help out and it’s not even their shop.”

Damage - The door had to be secured in place for insurance to assess the damage (Image: Submitted)

A wooden door was broken as well as locks.

The damage will cost at least £1,000 to repair.

But Robert said: “We got off pretty lightly compared to what it could have been.”

Damage - Locks were ripped out of the door (Image: Submitted)

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “A man has been arrested following a burglary at a shop in Colchester in the early hours of September 23.

“Officers were called to the Rocks and Rubies store on Museum Street in Colchester shortly after midnight following reports of a burglary.

"The suspects had smashed the doors of the premises and broken the lock.

“When officers arrived, a man was seen running from the address. He was chased by officers and arrested on suspicion of burglary.

“The 51-year-old man has since been released on bail."

Mr Johnson said that as Museum Street is very dark street with only one lamp, he would now be asking Colchester Council for permission to put up shutters, as well as upgrading his shop security.